Chapter 1
Dinner was their third date. It was also their best. The food was delicious and the conversation sparkled. After his second post-dinner cognac Alex sheepishly announced he would need to call an Uber to get home. He had definitely had a few too many. The last thing he wanted was a DUI.
Lucy looked at him deep in thought.
"Don't be silly. I only live a few miles away. I'm still fit to get behind the wheel. Why don't you let me drive you to my place. I have a lovely guest room that you're more than welcome to use and I'll bring you back to get your car in the morning".
"That would be really kind of you. I don't need to go anywhere tomorrow so there's no rush."
As they reached the end of the private quarter-mile avenue leading to Lucy's house he looked quizzically at her.
"You never mentioned you live in a huge mansion like this."
She laughed.
"It's not that big actually. It's only 6 bedrooms and looks way bigger than it really is." Crunching over the driveway gravel, she parked at the main entrance. "Come on, I'll show you round."
As they stepped inside Alex couldn't help himself.
"How does a GP afford this place? I thought the pay was....well, not great?"
"I'm sure I mentioned that John was a whizz with finances. He had always wanted a place like this. It was too big for just the two of us but it made him happy. An Englishman and his castle you know... It was devastating when he passed, but he left me sitting very comfortably. I only continue to work to keep my mind active."
Lucy led him through the large hallway, walls lined with dark stained oak paneling, more reminiscent of a Victorian gentleman's smoking club. The kitchen was a total contrast, modern, practical, yet beautiful, like something out of House & Homes. All stainless appliances, light oak and tasteful decorations. The island was huge with eight elegant bar stools.
"Coffee?"
"Yes please", he replied.
As she bustled about, prepping the obviously expensive barista machine she asked him if he had been forced to take early retirement.
"Well, after the divorce I worked for a while. But I realized that the harder I worked the more money she received in alimony. Thank goodness we didn't have any kids....It seemed counterintuitive to keep giving her more and more from my hard work so I talked to my attorney. Ended up selling the company, gave her half, got an agreement that we were done, moved into my apartment and have enough to live on until"... he paused, "well I have enough." He smiled.
She handed him a coffee, pushing a tray with creamer and sweeteners towards him.
"Come on, bring your drink, I'll show you around."
The hose was beautiful, with all the bedrooms upstairs. As they returned downstairs he wondered how lonely she must get here. They entered the drawing room, the loveliest space of all. Leather chairs and sofas all arranged to benefit from the large fireplace set in a brick hearth with a huge oak mantelpiece. Picking up a remote, Lucy started the gas fire which was the most realistic he had ever seen.
"Gotta love technology! So much easier than all that mess with real fires."
She gestured for him to take a seat.
"Would you like a cognac? You seemed to be enjoying them at dinner."
"That would be lovely".
There was a twinkle in her eye as she went over to an antique drinks cabinet and poured two generous glasses. Lucy sat down at the other end of the sofa to Alex and raised her glass.
"Welcome to my humble abode."
And with that they touched glasses and took a sip. As the fire warmed them, sending shadows dancing around the room, the conversation turned to a wide variety of subjects. Alex wondered if this was going anywhere. He didn't want to push it, they got on really well and he was very attracted to her. No point in spoiling things by rushing. It wasn't until he tried to put his glass back on the table that the strangest thing occurred to him. He couldn't move. His arm just stayed where it was. He tried to talk but his mouth wouldn't shaped the words. The only noise he could make was a low whining.
Lucy looked at him with a wry smile.
"Ahh, it appears the succinylcholine I snuck in your cognac has finally entered your blood stream. It takes longer than being directly injected. No need to panic. It's used during surgery to ensure the patient can't suddenly move. Of course, it's always used after the general anesthetic, but in this case I want you awake so you can listen to me. So if you can hear me just go ahead and blink once. It's the only movement you'll have for, ohh, about one hour".
Petrified at what on earth she was planning, Alex blinked.
"You are going to be a prototype! This is so exciting. I've been planning this business venture for quite some time and I have all the equipment and accommodation in place. You'll be staying with me for about four months whilst you receive all the necessary conditioning, modifications, character adjustments, sculpting and training. It's going to be very intense. We have an extremely busy schedule set up. Not a single day is to be wasted. It's going to be hard work for all of us, but if my research is correct, -and I have no reason to doubt myself whatsoever, - then you are going to be worth a fortune to us."